390hp Cupra Formentor VZ5 on sale now
£65k confirmed for RS3-engined SUV - time to show the family some five-cylinder fun
In these lean times for enthusiast focused cars, the confirmation of the Cupra Formentor VZ5’s arrival ranks as pretty significant. Here is a small SUV powered by the Audi 2.5-litre turbo, without hybrid assistance of any kind. We know from last year’s first drive that it goes very well, helped by the torque splitter diff on the rear axle, and by compact crossover standards it looks pretty smart also. The appeal is niche, sure, but that’s what we’re all about.
Now the price has been confirmed for UK VZ5s, which will come from a 4,000-unit production run: £64,495, with CUPBucket seats, the Akebono brakes and the 20-inch wheels all as standard. That makes the 2.5-litre Formentor almost £10k more than any other Formentor, with the 2.0-litre, 333hp VZ3 from £55,210. It kind of goes without saying, but this is aimed at those that really, really love five cylinders. The only standard colour is Midnight Black; also offered - and the configurator is live now for sneak peek - are Dark Void (£300), Magnetic Tech Matte Grey for £1,360, the Century Bronze Matte that costs the same, or Enceladus Grey Matte also at £1,360. The only other possible extra is a £1,015 pano roof; an old school speccing process for quite an old school kind of fast car (by 2026 standards, at least).
Cupra wouldn’t be alone in pitching the VZ5 as a unique proposition; it’ll probably be this Formentor or nothing for a lot of customers. But eyeing up the competition is irresistible, especially at this money. The RS3 with which the Formentor shares so much is from £62,570, if lacking the exclusivity. The Mercedes GLA AMG feels like the most natural alternative, though the prices don’t quite align: a 306hp GLA 35 is from £56,415, the 421hp GLA 45 S 4Matic+ only offered in Plus spec at £75,605. An X3 M50 is also more than £70,000, and a larger kind of SUV. Answers on a postcard for any other kind of VZ5 rival, because we’re struggling…
With sales kicking off this week, the most powerful Formentor ever is due on our roads by the end of 2026. Perfect winter weapon, right?
A downpipe and exhaust / tune would sort that out, but I don't the buyers of a £65k mini SUV would be doing that.
There's an early Formentor near me in a metallic red which looks decent, they must have discontinued it.
I like this but as others have said it's too expensive to sway people away from Audi, Mercedes and BMW at this price point.
Shame.
There's an early Formentor near me in a metallic red which looks decent, they must have discontinued it.
I like this but as others have said it's too expensive to sway people away from Audi, Mercedes and BMW at this price point.
Shame.
But the 5-cylinder is such an iconic Audi product that you would be crazy to buy anything other than an RS3, even if you end up paying a premium to match the spec of the Formentor.
I do think the Formentor is a good looking car but the RS3 is even better.
And I'm not on-board with Cupra's current obsession with bronze details, odd body colours and matte finishes. I don't think any of the options looks very good, whereas Audi have a great range of colours from discreet to ASBO.
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